The ASD Task Force held a meeting on Thursday, August 19th to continue discussion of recommendations it plans to make to the legislature. The Task Force will continue its discussion at upcoming meetings and I urge you to attend. The full list of recommendations is still being developed. The following is a list of the current list draft recommendations:
- Statewide Awareness Campaign. The Task Force discussed the idea of a statewide awareness campaign (potentially along the lines of First Steps) that reaches out to everyone, not just doctors.
- Distribution of Educational Materials. The Task Force discussed recommending funding for greater distribution of FAQs/filers/brochures to day care centers and posting on the Department of Health’s website. This was part of a discussion to develop a statewide awareness campaign.
- Mandate Follow Along. The Task Force discussed recommending a mandate that every county has a standard screening and follow-up program, either using the Follow Along program or something similar. This recommendation would attempt to reduce inequity in services between counties.
- Service Coordinator. The Task Force discussed recommending the implementation of an autism service coordinator for children ages 3-5 who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. This person would potentially work through the Department of Human Services.
- Systems. Renae will be working on developing a recommendation relating to coordinating/planning/sharing services and funding with in the systems.
- Physician Screening. It is recommended that every child in Minnesota have access to a primary health care professional for establishing a medical home. Within this relationship, it is recommended that each child receive developmental surveillance and screening throughout early childhood for all developmental domains, including autism spectrum conditions based on American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. This should occur within routine health care maintenance as well as whenever a parent or provider concern is raised. These activities should be coordinated with tracking and intervention services within the local community.
- ASD Council or Commission. Establish an ASD Council or Commission that meets at least 3-4 times a year to review and continue to coordinate all services provided by the state. The Departments of Health, Education, Human Services, and Employment and Economic Development must be represented. The group will develop a long term strategic plan, working to maximize existing services and identifying unmet needs.
- Pediatric and Family Practice. The Autism Task Force recommends to the legislature that all Pediatric and Family Practice residencies located in Minnesota provide their trainees with didactic and clinical exposure to normal and abnormal childhood development. That, specifically, the understanding of the presentation and natural history of Autism Spectrum Disorders should be an expectation of graduates of these residencies. Appropriate topics in the curriculum should include: screening tools, associated medical conditions (and their presentations), treatment modalities and presentations of available community resources. In addition, recommended guidelines from the AAP for both developmental screening/surveillance and Autism Spectrum Disorders should be a part of that curriculum.
Next Meetings:
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
6:00 pm
Location: TBD
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
9:00 am
Location: TBD
Amy Dawson is the parent of twins, one of whom has autism and special health care needs. She began practicing law in 1992 at the firm of Faegre & Benson, L.L.P. in Minneapolis. She also worked at the PACER Center and is a member of the Board of the Arc Greater Twin Cities. Amy’s law practice focuses on issues related to autism, disabilities, insurance and estate planning.
Bob Gunderson inspired me to devote my practice to individuals who have disabilities, their families, and the organizations that serve them. Bob Gunderson was my mentor, friend and colleague and I miss him very much. Bob Gunderson served the disability community as an attorney, as a brother, and as a dedicated volunteer who spent many hours in service to organizations such as Opportunity Partners, Fraser, PACER, and the Arc of Minnesota and Arc Greater Twin Cities.